I’ve noticed a huge trend in the mustache in recent years. Whether it’s just a fad or simply becoming more socially accepted, there’s definitely been a surge in the ‘stache. Not only have I seen more men sporting the fuzz below the nose, brands are using it in logos and marketing efforts; companies are even producing mustached mugs, shirts, home goods, jewelry, well…everything now.
Beyond the retail and design trends, there are mustaches with meaning. “Movember” is a yearly event during the month of November which involves the growing of mustaches to raise awareness of prostate cancer and other male-related health issues. Since 2004, the Movember Foundation has been holding charity events across the globe with the goal of “changing the face of men’s health”.
By encouraging men (“Mo Bros”) to get involved, Movember aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths. Besides getting an annual check-up, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of any family history of cancer, and to adopt a more healthy lifestyle.
The Movember Foundation was established in Melbourne, Australia in 2004 and has since grown to hold events in 12 countries; 2007 was the first year the United States was incorporated. November 1 kicks off the month-long event with a clean shave. To participate, follow the rules below, follow them on their social media sites and and help them in their mission to promote early cancer screenings and an overall healthy lifestyle. Happy growing!
The rules of conduct from the Movember site are:
- Once registered at movember.com each mo bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean shaven face.
- For the entire month of November each mo bro must grow and groom a moustache.
- There is to be no joining of the mo to [one’s] sideburns. (That’s considered a beard.)
- There is to be no joining of the handlebars to [one’s] chin. (That’s considered a goatee.)
- Each mo bro must conduct himself like a true country gentleman.
[sources: Wikipedia, Movember US, Coty Gonzalez]
